U.S. consumer sentiment was expected to drop to 97.1 in the final reading of July from 98.2 in June, according to economists polled by Reuters. Last month, the index missed expectations due to increasing trade war fears. In the final report of June, Chief Economist for The University of Michigan's survey Richard Curtin said consumers were concerned about a downpace in economic growth and rising inflation as a result of escalating tariffs. Despite marginal gains in June, the index has slumped since March when it reached its highest level since 2004 with a reading of 101.4. The survey considers 500 consumers' outlook ... (full story)